JUL 9 --LOUISVILLE, KY - A federal grand jury in Louisville returned an indictment against Francisco Marquez-Reyes, age 25, who claimed to be a Mexican citizen, specific address unknown, and Christian Ugues-Chavarria, age 21, who also claimed to be a Mexican citizen, specific address unknown, on charges of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney David L. Huber of the Western District of Kentucky announced today.

The Indictment alleges that on June 20, 2008, in Jefferson County, Kentucky, Marquez-Reyes and Ugues-Chavarria conspired with each other and with other persons to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. DEA agents arrested the men on June 20, 2008, and seized approximately five pounds of methamphetamine intended for sale for approximately $100,000. Both men are undocumented aliens and will be subject to additional charges under the immigration laws when the investigation into their citizenship status is concluded.

In the event of a conviction, the maximum potential penalties are life imprisonment, a $4,000,000 fine, and supervised release for life. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Larry Fentress, and it was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Marquez-Reyes and Ugues-Chavarria are scheduled to appear for arraignment before the United States Magistrate Judge on July 22, 2008, at 9:30 a.m, in Louisville, Kentucky.

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The indictment of a person by a Grand Jury is an accusation only and that person is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.